That match, in the Pat Rafter Arena, was one of several to be delayed by rain on the east coast of Australia, causing further headaches for tournament organisers shorn of two of their biggest draw cards.

The injuries to Halep and the 28-year-old Sharapova, five-times a grand slam singles champion, follow fitness concerns over the Australian Open defending champion, Serena Williams, who pulled out of her first match of the year at the Hopman Cup in Perth because of a knee complaint.

Halep downplayed concerns about the injury being anything serious. “I did an MRI and it’s nothing dangerous, but it’s still an inflammation,” said Halep who was replaced in the draw by the lucky loser Ysaline Bonaventure of Belgium. “I have just to take a few days’ rest.”